Many students in their last year in high school will debate whether or not they want to go to a community college before a major university. These students have all heard the pros and cons of making that choice. But, what does it really mean to attend a community college. Below are the five major reasons that I have learned from attending a local college before heading off to a university.

Community colleges have cheaper classes for your prerequisites. Just for a local example: Tallahassee Community College (TCC) is roughly $404 per semester, not including books; while Florida State University (FSU) is roughly $864 per semester, not including books. Those prices are for a 12 credit hour semester. Also, depending on your major and type of degree, the prices will vary.

They also have smaller class sizes compared to a major university. With the smaller class sizes after high school, it makes it easier for the Professors to engage with the students. On average TCC has a 1:24 ratio. Meaning that for every one professor there are only 24 students. This is roughly the same size classes as in high school. While FSU has smaller class sizes on average than other universities, only 76% have less than 40 students and about half of that amount have roughly 30+ students in that class. Many of the prerequisites are given in large lecture halls at FSU as well.

As I chose to go to the smaller school, I had a smoother transition from child life to adult life. It’s already a tough change from going to school from 9-2, five days a week- to 2-3 hours possibly only three days a week. And then on top of school students start working. So having smaller class sizes and cheaper classes allow the students to learn how to manage their time and money easier than being in a larger school that’s more expensive.

Students can save even more money and live at home. If you are having to pay for college by yourself like I am, going to a community college is the perfect way to go to school, but still save money. I have a personal scholarship that I get once a year that has to last 3+ semesters. I still live at home so that allows me to save my money from work and have extra spending money, instead of spending all of it rent and food.

Smaller colleges allow for easier to change in majors. Having to pay less for classes allows students to change their mind easier than if they were at a larger university. I am personally going through this change in mindset. I entered TCC with my heart set on becoming an elementary school teacher. As I take the classes on the education track, I’m learning that it’s not for me. All students have to do is talk to an advisor and get started on the new path for the rest of their lives.

Being in a community college allows students to be able to become themselves without breaking the bank. I know that it personally has changed me into a better person and student. As long as you study for your classes it’ll help you succeed and transfer to the university of your dreams.